Texture Research: Trees

 To gain a better understanding of the textures I am working with, I ventured into Aylestone Meadows to find different types of tree bark. 

These three caught my attention, especially the one in the middle with the leaves growing on it. It is close to the type of tree bark texture that I am trying to mimic on my mugs. Some of the trees were damaged to the point where the bark was coming off, leaving a smooth texture underneath. The bark almost looks like dried skin to me.

In some places, the ridges are deeper than in other places. The lines are not straight and can end in seemingly randomised places. It looks like a patchwork of bark with a variety of different shades of brown and green. With glaze I can recreate the different shades of brown, green will not be possible unfortunately, otherwise I could have made it look more realistic.

 

 

This specific tree had some sort of moss growing on it, creating interesting textures across the bark. It looks similar to my bird's nest cup design. The moss can be recreated with clay, using a sieve or cutting them out individually.

Tree bark is not perfectly formed on any tree, often it looks dried out and comes with a variety of textures and colours. I can try to recreate these textures and colours using modelling tools and glazes. I have to keep the imperfections in mind, with the form as well. A tree stump is not perfectly cylindrical, it has got dents that come with the natural growth cycles of trees.